As extreme summer temperatures roll in, technicians like the ones in El Paso, Texas, are facing the brunt of it, reports KFOX14.
Anyone who lives in the state knows how hot it can get there in the summer, but those working with vehicles are typically facing even more intense heat than most. Though Coronado Auto Repair in west El Paso is shaded by a tin roof, temps sometimes climb to over 130 degrees in the building.
In addition, extreme weather conditions can mean an increase in business. Vehicles often reach temps over 500 degrees, requiring employees to wait for them to cool off. With all the extra cars sitting in line waiting for service, each one brings an additional eight or 10 degrees of heat, explained shop manager Liz Candelaria.
It’s a real issue that, for the sake of employees’ safety, can’t be ignored. The shop is equipped with swamp coolers at every station, and the whole team makes sure to drink water and take breaks to cool off throughout the day.
“I try to go inside for at least 10 minutes, 15 minutes to try to cool down, keep that heat down,” told Candelaria. “Because I mean the last thing we need is to get sick or drop because of the heat.”
